Presidents’ Day is just around the corner, and while it might not come with fireworks or turkey dinners, it’s still a federal holiday worth celebrating—or at least understanding. For folks in Plymouth, Michigan, this is a good excuse to take a break from the winter grind and reflect on the fascinating history behind this three-day weekend.

Wait, Is It Presidents’ Day or Washington’s Birthday?

Let’s clear up some confusion right off the bat. Officially, the federal holiday is called Washington’s Birthday. Yes, George Washington—the first president of the United States and wearer of some very non-wooden dentures—is the guy we’re supposed to be honoring. However, over time, states like Michigan broadened the celebration to include all U.S. presidents. Hence, the name Presidents’ Day gained traction.

But here’s the kicker: Congress never officially renamed it. So technically, if you’re being a stickler for details, you’re celebrating Washington’s Birthday on February 17 this year. But don’t worry—no one will call you out if you also tip your hat to Lincoln or Roosevelt.

The Monday Shuffle: Why It’s Always on a Monday

Back in 1971, Congress passed something called the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The idea was simple: move certain holidays to Mondays so workers could enjoy more three-day weekends. Washington’s Birthday was one of the lucky holidays shuffled into this new system. Originally celebrated on February 22 (Washington’s actual birthday—well, sort of; we’ll get to that), it now lands on the third Monday of February.

This change was partly practical—who doesn’t love a long weekend?—but it also blurred the lines of what exactly we’re celebrating. With Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 and Washington’s on February 22 (or February 11, depending on whether you’re using the Julian or Gregorian calendar), lumping them together into one holiday seemed efficient. And voilà: Presidents’ Day became a catch-all for presidential appreciation.

Plymouth’s Presidential Plans: What’s Open and Closed?

Before you make any grand plans for Presidents’ Day in Plymouth, let’s talk logistics. Being a federal holiday, most government offices will be closed. That includes post offices and federal agencies—so don’t expect to mail that package or renew your passport on February 17. Schools might also be out for the day, depending on your district.

However, retail therapy is still an option. Many stores use Presidents’ Day as an excuse to roll out sales, so if you’ve been eyeing that new couch or flat-screen TV, this might be your moment. Grocery stores and restaurants are generally open, too, so your daily routine won’t be completely upended.

Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends

Here are some nuggets of trivia to sprinkle into your Presidents’ Day conversations:

• George Washington wasn’t actually born on February 22—or at least not according to the calendar in use when he was born. In 1731 (his birth year), the British colonies used the Julian calendar, marking his birthday as February 11. When they switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday shifted to February 22.
• Abraham Lincoln’s birthday has never been a federal holiday. Some states celebrate it separately (looking at you, Illinois), but most just fold Honest Abe into Presidents’ Day.
• The holiday wasn’t always about all presidents. When it was first established in 1885, it was solely about Washington. The broader “Presidents’ Day” vibe didn’t emerge until retailers and states started using the term in the mid-20th century.

How Plymouth Can Celebrate (Without Chopping Down Cherry Trees)

Sure, Plymouth isn’t exactly brimming with presidential landmarks—but that doesn’t mean you can’t get into the spirit of things. Here are some ideas:

• Visit Your Local Library: Dive into biographies of past presidents or check out books about American history. Bonus points if you find something about Michigan-born President Gerald Ford.
• Host a Trivia Night: Gather friends and family for some presidential trivia. Who was the tallest president? (Lincoln.) Which president had a pet alligator? (John Quincy Adams.) You get the idea.
• Bake Something Patriotic: Cherry pie is always a good choice—it nods to that apocryphal story about young George Washington and his honesty with a hatchet.
• Take Advantage of Sales: If nothing else, Presidents’ Day is famous for its discounts. Whether you’re shopping for appliances or just need an excuse to browse downtown Plymouth shops, this is your day.

A Holiday Worth Remembering

Presidents’ Day may not have parades or parties like some other holidays, but it offers something unique: a chance to reflect on leadership and history while enjoying an extra day off work (if you’re lucky). Whether you’re honoring Washington’s military brilliance or Lincoln’s moral courage—or just snagging a great deal at a local store—there’s plenty to appreciate about this mid-February break.

So go ahead, Plymouth—celebrate however you see fit! Just don’t forget who made it all possible: those presidents who shaped our nation one decision at a time (and maybe Congress for giving us that sweet three-day weekend).

Sources: timeanddate.com, livemint.com, almanac.com
Header Image Source: Sonder Quest on Unsplash